12 years of Virat Kohli – 7 best knocks of India’s very own Run Machine

12 years of virat kohli 1

From scoring 12 runs on debut to evolving as World’s No. 1 batsman, Virat Kohli completes 12 years in International cricket with appearing in 86 Tests, 248 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 82 T20 Internationals (T20Is) for team India.

From chubby cheeks, a brash youngster who handed a debut against Sri Lanka on August 8th, 2008, is now a captain of the No.1 Test team across the world.

Kohli is arguably the greatest batsman across all the formats of this generation and the transformation in this man and the way he adapted, adjusted, and calibrate his game is just unbelievable.

With 70 International centuries and 104 half-centuries, 12 years of his career so far, is blazing with numerous records.

Fans are eagerly waiting of Indian Premier League (IPL) to watch their favourite on the field to see some marvellous cover drives from him.

To relive his incredible journey, here are the 7 best knocks of Run Machine in the last 12 years:

India vs West Indies, U-19 World Cup 2008

It was on August 18th, 2008, when captain Virat Kohli made his bow in international cricket, he didn’t just lead the side, also got the World Cup for the nation.

He also played an important part in achieving the triumph as he played a remarkable innings with the bat and scored a ton against West Indies with a strike rate of 135.13.

**160* against South Africa 2018**

A special knock of unbeaten 160 runs came off the skipper’s bat in Cape Town. Batting first, India lost the Rohit Sharma for a duck and then southpaw came who expressed the havoc mode – Virat Kohli.

Kohli’s unbeaten 160 runs helped India to set a target of 304 in front of South Africa and India won the match by 124 runs.

235 against England, 2016 Mumbai Test

Run Machine Virat Kohli scored a majestic 235 and lead India from the front when India registered an innings and 36 run win over England in 2016.

183 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2012

When it comes to playing against Pakistan, Virat never shows mercy on the bowlers. India lost Gautam Gambhir for a duck in the match and then Kohli came to rescue, as he demolished the Pakistan bowling in the run chase of 330.

This knock propelled India to win the match by 6 wickets.

138 against South Africa, 2015

Virat Kohli came to the crease when India lost opener, Rohit Sharma, with just 28 runs. He has scored a brilliant 138 runs with a strike rate of 98.57 to put India into the front.

South Africa managed to score only 264 while chasing a target of 300.

107 against Pakistan, 2015 World Cup

The temperature is always high when it comes to India vs Pakistan, India never lost against Pakistan in a World cup match. Things were the same in the 2015 World Cup as Pakistan team was all out at 224 while they were chasing a target of 301.

During India’s innings, Kohli scored 107 runs.

A century off 52 balls against Australia, 2013

India defeated Australia in a thrilling contest at Jaipur.

Earlier, Australia set a huge target of 360 runs and in response, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma scored 95 and 141 not out respectively. Meanwhile, Dhawan had to go back to the pavilion and it was Kohli who scored a century off 52 balls made India cruise over the line with utter ease.

12 years of Run Machine, Kohli!! Many years to come!

We wish all the very best to our Captain for all the success he gonna achieve in upcoming years!

Also read: You will always be my CAPTAIN: Virat Kohli shares an emotional message on MS Dhoni’s retirement